Arcus Argentariorum

The so-called Argentarierbogen (Latin arcus argentariorum, Italian Arco degli Argentari ) is a monument in the forum Boarium in Rome, which was erected in honor of the Emperor Septimius Severus. Strictly speaking it is not a monumental arch, since it has no arch construction, but consists of two columns and an architrave.

History

According to the inscription on the monument in the year 204 of those at the forum dealers and money changers ( argentarii ) was dedicated to the emperor and his family out of gratitude. The exact cause is unknown; probably it was the introduction of a advantageous for these professional groups law. In contrast to the official Roman triumphal arches so it was not a state monument, but a private foundation.

In the early Middle Ages the Argentarierbogen was involved in the construction of the church of San Giorgio in Velabro.

Relief decoration

The building is provided with a rich relief decoration. In addition to the inscription on the architrave of a representation of Hercules is seen. On three sides of the pillars are mounted reliefs, of which only the well-preserved on the inner sides. They show scenes of sacrifice and the family of Septimius Severus, of which only the figures of the Emperor himself, his wife Julia Domna and his son Caracalla are obtained. On both figures reliefs have been deliberately removed - with them it was probably Caracalla's brother Geta, his wife and their father Plautilla Plautian, Caracalla had assassinated 212 and finished with the damnatio memoriae.

Reception

The Argentarierbogen served as a model for the triumphal arch in Potsdam.